Virginia Beach, VA - April 19, 2006 - A typical reaction for a person looking into the DermaScan Skin Analyzer is something along the lines of, "Oh my Gawd!"
The DermaScan device shows sun damage as purple splotches on the face and head.
"It's an eye-opener," says Helen Mansfield, RN, oncology nurse coordinator for the Coastal Cancer Center at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. People are surprised at how much damage the sun does to their skin.
"It's not just beach goers who suffer potentially cancerous skin damage. Tanning parlor patrons, construction workers, roofers and anyone else who spends time outside is at risk for skin cancer."
People of every ethnic backround are at risk, Mansfield continues.
"Everyone should use sunscreen and wear hats if theyre going to spend time in the sun," she said.
"Certain types of skin cancer like melanoma can be deadly," Mansfield adds. "Its not just cosmetic. It can invade internal organs and kill you just like other kinds of cancer. It needs to be treated promptly."
Walk-in DermaScan viewing May 3rd and 4th
Anyone curious about the state of their skin can use the DermaScan device on May 3rd and 4th from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the main lobby at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.
The DermaScan device is in a box about the size of a television. Insert your head up to the shoulders and you see yourself in a mirror under black light.
"Youll probably go right out and buy some sunscreen," jokes Mansfield.
Free Skin Cancer screenings available with reservations
A physician will examine your skin for signs of skin cancer during two separate sessions on May 10th and 23rd from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. Reservations are required. Call 1-800-SENTARA.
At Sentara, We Improve Health Every Day
29/2006